This week, the Politically Speaking podcast brings prominent GOP consultant Jeff Roe to the show. He joins St. Louis Public Radio reporters Jo Mannies, Chris McDaniel and Jason Rosenbaum.

Based in Kansas City, Roe is among the top Republican consultants in the Midwest – and is headed toward a national reputation. Only in his early 40s, he operates the fourth-largest GOP direct-mail firm in the country. He's expected to land at least one Republican presidential candidate in 2016.

As speaker of the Missouri House, he had the power to exalt or kill any bill that flowed through the General Assembly. From all appearances, he had a bright political future.

Behind the scenes, however, Jetton was on a course for self-destruction.

By the time he left office, the FBI was investigating him for bribery. He was facing serious jail time after being accused of felony assault. Just months after being one of the most powerful men in Missouri politics, Jetton was broke and without a job.